Savvy travel hacks for small budgets

As much as holidays can be a time of respite and leisure, planning for one and its financial burdens might cause you to freak out. We present 9 savvy travel tips, so you can travel without a worry on your next trip!

Daily deals for days

Ever encountered someone with knack for extreme couponing? Well, this might have saved them thousands… We are all about daily deals when it comes to vacationing. Start monitoring daily deals on pages like Groupon in the city that you’re set to travel in. Firstly, it opens up your options on what you can do in that city. Secondly, and most importantly, it saves you far more than you would if you took up a less than satisfactory tour deal.

Don’t lose your way

If you’re planning to drive, you can save quite a bit by using your smartphone instead of the rental GPS unit. Ever had a rental GPS unit switch languages mid-trip? We have, and it wasn’t fun having to pull over to figure out how to switch it back. You’re going to want to have data during your trip to share your selfies anyway, so use a mapping app like Google Maps instead. Car rental agencies will persuade and try to up-sell you on a GPS rental, but that’s dollars that you can save to spend elsewhere.

Grocery shopping saves the day

A wise person once said that the best way to experience a country was through your tummy. We agree, but eating out every meal will slim down your wallet considerably. With the popularity of home renting services like AirBnB, preparing easy meals whilst on holiday has become much easier. A trip to the supermarket to pick up ingredients for snacks or sandwiches is the way to keep both your tummy, and your wallet satisfied. Most staples like fruit, cereal and sandwich ingredients keep and travel well. Eating before you head out for the day and packing snacks will keep hunger pangs at bay!

Skip the souvenirs

A plastic Eiffel Tower with blinking blue LED lights made in China. Is that really a good memento of your trip to the most romantic city in the world? A souvenir or memento doesn’t have to be expensive, and the sheer variety when you’re in a foreign city is practically endless. If you’re a foodie, a visit to the supermarket gives you the chance to pick local fare, while night markets let you pick up inexpensive local goods too. Alternatively, go natural and collect samples of rocks or soil packed into small vials, or flowers pressed in a book whilst on the road. For free! Be sure to check local laws first though!

Remember your member perks

Membership can be worthwhile if you use them. Before booking a flight, hotel or car, check through your list of membership cards to look for perks or discounts. Some of these offer rebates or discounts, and you could save a bundle with them!

Tips on public transportation

When in Rome, do as the Romans do! Public transport options vary, but it is typically a great way to get around your destination. Plus, people watching is always a fun activity! To ride public transport safely, you’ll need to do some legwork though. Do research online if such modes of transport are recommended. Do also download apps – most major cities have apps that allow you to plug in your start and end destinations to get the quickest or cheapest route. Flag down that bus!

The Internet gets you to cheap hot spots

In practically every city that you might be headed to, you’ll be able to take advantage of various free activities that allow you to get a real feel of the city. Festivals, farmer markets, events – these are all great ways to experience a city from the locals' perspective. Search online and time your visits for these dates.

Pack like a pro

Overweight luggage is the bane of every traveller. Pack like a pro and avoid this unnecessary expense! Would you be doing a lot of shopping? You might need to pick a carrier with a higher luggage allowance. Pack your toiletries with care. Travel packs are lighter, and you can dispose of them at the end of your trip, rather than to head back with half a litre of shampoo.

Avoid the peak

Peak season surcharges will eat up any savings you might have. If possible, travel during the 'shoulder' periods (right before or after peak seasons) or even off-peak seasons. It’ll be less crowded, and local retailers will be glad to serve you.